Upcoming summits in Bradford and Gateshead to explore creative investments.
- Events to feature live business pitches and discussions on inclusive growth.
- Focus on scaling investment models in 12 English regions.
- The Creative Growth Programme supports 700 businesses annually.
- Cultural contribution of the creative industries reaches £125bn GVA.
Creativity takes centre stage as regional summits set to take place in Bradford and Gateshead, aiming to explore and leverage the potential of creative investments. These events, scheduled for the early part of the next year, promise to bring bold dialogues around investment to the fore.
Attendees at these summits will have the unique opportunity to witness live pitching sessions from businesses across the regions, while engaging in discussions that focus on inclusive growth strategies. The initiative is a part of Creative UK’s continued efforts to support and energise the creative business landscape.
With origins tracing back to its launch in 2022 by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport in collaboration with Innovate UK, the Creative Growth Programme is poised to enhance commercial investment opportunities for creative enterprises in 12 regions of England. The programme is known for its role in supporting over 700 businesses each year.
The summits will address vital issues such as successful scaling and growth of investment models, while showcasing the achievements of businesses nationwide. They pave the way for business leaders to share success stories and outline effective strategies for fostering growth within the creative economy.
Caroline Norbury OBE, Chief Executive of Creative UK, emphasises the transformative power of investment in the creative industries, stating, ‘This Summit marks our fifth annual flagship event, and I am thrilled it will celebrate the meaningful work we deliver across England.’ Additionally, she highlights the role of tailored business support in driving inclusive growth across the nation.
The economic impact of the cultural and creative industries is undeniable, with a recent GVA contribution of nearly £125bn, accounting for about 6% of the UK’s economy. Furthermore, employment within these sectors is growing at an extraordinary rate—three times the national average—with 1.8 million people employed within the industries, alongside 700,000 self-employed workers.
The upcoming summits in 2024 reflect a dynamic step towards nurturing the creative economy across England.
